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<br /> <br />Discussion included: <br />• The Commission supported this park having an open air shelter versus a <br />neighborhood center. <br />• The Commission commented on the value of the bike fixing stations. Staff explained <br />these were typically located on or near regional trails because they have higher <br />traffic. <br />• The Commission appreciated the new design for this park stating it was well thought <br />out and would have better function. <br />• The timeline for this project was reviewed with the Commission and it was noted <br />construction would begin in August of this year with the park being completed later <br />this year. <br /> <br />D. Commissioner Recognition <br /> <br />Chair Johnson recognized Commissioner Kuiper and Commissioner Warner and thanked <br />each of them for their dedicated service to PREC. <br /> <br />VI. Announcements <br /> <br />A. City Council Report – Council Member Emily Dunsworth <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. <br />She reported she was not at the last Council meeting because she was on a much needed <br />vacation. She thanked Commissioner Kuiper and Commissioner Warner for their service to <br />the City. She indicated the City Council held Commission interviews at their March 1 <br />worksession meeting and she was pleased to report four students had interviewed for <br />Commission positions. She noted the City Council was still seeking additional volunteers to <br />join their Commissions. Those interested were encouraged to apply with the City. She <br />reported on Saturday, March 5 the Council would be holding a strategic planning session. <br /> <br />B. PREC Chair Updates – Matt Johnson <br /> <br />Chair Johnson reported he presented an annual update from PREC to the City Council <br />several weeks ago. He explained the City Council sends along their thanks for PREC’s <br />efforts. He noted the Council also appreciated PREC’s efforts to focus on sustainability, <br />equity and accessibility. <br /> <br />C. Department Happenings and Upcoming Events – City Staff <br /> <br />Director Fink stated the April PREC meeting will be hybrid, which meant there would be <br />both virtual and in person options for attendance. She reported the skating season had <br />come to an end. She reviewed the skating numbers from Hansen and Freedom Parks and <br />noted there were more than 12,000 skaters this winter. She indicated golf league <br />registration was now available. She stated summer programs were also filling up. She noted <br />the mask mandate at all City buildings had been lifted as of March 1. She explained staff <br />was working to hire summer seasonal workers and conducted a hiring event at Irondale <br />High School. She discussed a speaking event she took part in at the White Bear Lake High <br />School. She reported a joint meeting with the EDC was being planned for July.